Hey All,
Getting back into tri after a few years away with Steelhead and IMCHOO on the books 2016. Going to upgrade my 2009 Blue Triad to a bike that can accommodate the larger wheel / tire combo and hopefully give me a bit more aero advantage. My LBS/Team shop just offered up last year's 7.0 (105 11 sp) for $2000 or the new white 7.5 for $3100. Brand new fit system in shop will have me dialed in. I already have the newest Aeolus 5 wheelset and will be running a Stages pm.
The $million question: Am I going to gain $1100 worth of difference by going with the 7.5? Yes it's nicer, lighter, etc. It has the new stem/bar integration, but how much time could that actually save vs the stock combo on the 7.0, especially if you are running a bottle between the arms. Seems to me (probably wrongly) that a bottle (even horizontal) could negate the benefits of the integrated stem. 11sp 105 is not that far off of Ultegra, the one thing I'd change on the 7.0 is that awful looking crankset. Climbing taken into consideration etc, what's the best bang for the buck?
I have the money to spend, but if $1100 isn't justifiable (and both are great deals) I can take the ego blow of not having the nicer bike and putting it toward a coach or something of additional benefit.
Gracias in advance.
Getting back into tri after a few years away with Steelhead and IMCHOO on the books 2016. Going to upgrade my 2009 Blue Triad to a bike that can accommodate the larger wheel / tire combo and hopefully give me a bit more aero advantage. My LBS/Team shop just offered up last year's 7.0 (105 11 sp) for $2000 or the new white 7.5 for $3100. Brand new fit system in shop will have me dialed in. I already have the newest Aeolus 5 wheelset and will be running a Stages pm.
The $million question: Am I going to gain $1100 worth of difference by going with the 7.5? Yes it's nicer, lighter, etc. It has the new stem/bar integration, but how much time could that actually save vs the stock combo on the 7.0, especially if you are running a bottle between the arms. Seems to me (probably wrongly) that a bottle (even horizontal) could negate the benefits of the integrated stem. 11sp 105 is not that far off of Ultegra, the one thing I'd change on the 7.0 is that awful looking crankset. Climbing taken into consideration etc, what's the best bang for the buck?
I have the money to spend, but if $1100 isn't justifiable (and both are great deals) I can take the ego blow of not having the nicer bike and putting it toward a coach or something of additional benefit.
Gracias in advance.